Artist Statement: Inspired by the rich history of quilt-making and fiber art, Jan Brandt hand-stitches disparate textiles such as donated clothing, pom poms, and muslin into three-dimensional hybrid assemblages. An organic process drives this intricate work referencing growth and accumulation. The assemblages may read as biological experiments or fantastical landscapes while referencing feminine artistic techniques and traditions.

Photo Credit: Britten Traughber

Jan Brandt is the artist/owner of Jan Brandt Gallery in Bloomington, IL. Brandt curates rotating artist exhibits in a historic former Coca-Cola bottling plant. She has exhibited nationally, including shows in San Francisco, New York, Chicago, and locally in the Bloomington-Normal area. A solo show, “Hybridity: New Assemblages by Jan Brandt,” opens November 2015 at Water Street Studios Chronicle Gallery in Batavia, IL. Scheduled for 2016 is a solo show at Swell Gallery, West Dundee, IL, and a two-person exhibit at The Peoria Art Guild, Peoria, IL. Brandt holds a Bachelor of Science Degree and a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree, both from Illinois State University in Normal, IL, and was awarded High Merit in Field of Study by the Fine Arts faculty. Her work has been included in multiple publications, including: Studio Visit Magazine, ArtSlant, Creative Quarterly, iArtistas, Studio Spoken, and The Buzz. She is the author of Jan Brandt Gallery 2012-2015. Brandt has been interviewed for the podcast StudioBreak, and NPR affiliate station WGLT for Sound Ideas. Selected awards include: four-time ArtSlant Showcase Winner, Director’s Choice at the Viridian Artists 26th International Juried Exhibition, and Artist of the Month at groundarts.org.